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There has been a big fall in crime across England and Wales, despite there being 4,500 fewer police officers. Crime fell by nine percent in the last year. It is now at its lowest level since 1981. But some are warning that the cuts could make such progress hard to sustain.

The ONS said crimes figures have fallen to their lowest level since 1981 Credit: Mel Longhurst/Eye Ubiquitous/PA

The estimated number of crimes has fallen nine percent since last year, taking the figure to its lowest level since the Crime Survey for England and Wales began in 1981, the Office for National Statistics said.